Gamechangers in Sustainability Founders Forum.
Only at Kogod.
Gamechangers in Sustainability Founders Forum
Sustainability continues to reshape the food industry, and the business behind your favorite food brands is more dynamic than you might think.
Join us for a panel discussion with three local food business leaders to hear firsthand how sustainability drives their businesses forward.
April 21
2:30 p.m. et
veloric center for entrepreneurship
What does sustainable leadership look like in the food industry? Hear directly from the founders of your favorite DC restaurants.
Join us for a candid conversation with three influential founders in the food and hospitality industry: Jill Tyler, Co-Founder of Tail Up Goat & Rye Bunny; Daniella Senior, Founder of Colada Shop; and James Warner, Owner of City-State Public House and Founder of City-State Brewing Co. Together, they’ll explore what it takes to build successful, community-centered businesses committed to environmental, cultural and financial sustainability.
Register Here
.png?width=400&height=400&name=Headshot%20Template%20(44).png "Jill Tyler 2")
Jill Tyler
Jill Tyler is one of Washington, DC's most respected leaders in hospitality, known for her community-centered service and commitment to local, sustainable sourcing. Taking inspiration from her childhood in the US Virgin Islands, she co-founded the Michelin-starred restaurant Tail Up Goat in 2016. At Tail Up Goat, Jill helped shape Adams Morgan into one of the city's most celebrated dining neighborhoods. She was the 2024 Washington, DC MICHELIN Guide Outstanding Service Award winner, and under her leadership, the restaurant was a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality. In April 2026, Jill will open her new, highly anticipated concept, Rye Bunny, in its place. Rye Bunny is a fine-casual, counter-service restaurant rooted in Jill's commitment to a guest-first approach and close partnerships with local farms and producers. An American University alum, Jill is deeply invested in building a workplace where hospitality professionals can thrive, with robust benefits and growth opportunities that honor the skill, care, and creativity her team brings to every guest experience.
.png?width=400&height=400&name=Headshot%20Template%20(41).png "Daniella Senior")
Daniella Senior
Daniella Senior’s love for food and hospitality began at 13 with a home-based catering business in the Dominican Republic. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and Certified Sommelier, she has
worked in top kitchens like Le Bernardin and led operations at acclaimed spots such as Zaytinya and Richard Sandoval Restaurants.
In 2016, she launched Colada Shop, bringing vibrant food, coffee, and culture to DC. Now, with seven locations and growing, it’s become a local favorite. She co-founded Michelin-starred Bresca in 2017, and followed with Serenata and Zumo in 2019—award-winning concepts rooted
in Latin American flavors and storytelling.
A dynamic entrepreneur, Daniella champions team development, especially for women and
minorities. Her leadership has earned recognition from Forbes' Next 1000, Washington Business
Journal’s "40 Under 40," and more. She holds roles with the James Beard Foundation, the US
Department of State, and serves on Vice President Harris’ Roundtable of Latina Entrepreneurs. In 2024, she joined American University’s Sine Institute as a Fellow, exploring how food intersects
with women, immigration, and policy.
.png?width=400&height=400&name=Headshot%20Template%20(42).png "James Warner")
James Warner
James Warner is a Washington, DC–based entrepreneur and policy professional, currently
serving as the Owner of City-State Public House. He is also the Founder of City-State Brewing Co., a company he has led since 2014.
Warner’s career combines business leadership and public policy experience. Earlier in his
career, he worked in government and energy policy, including roles as a Legislative Analyst at
the US Department of Energy and the Director of Policy at the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy
Association, where he focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy issues.
He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced
International Studies (SAIS) and a degree in International Relations and Social Anthropology
from the University of St. Andrews.
Overall, his work reflects a blend of policy expertise, sustainability interests, and entrepreneurial
leadership, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
